What Is C10-13 Isoalkane?
C10-13 Isoalkane is a blend of branched hydrocarbons that each contain 10 to 13 carbon atoms. It is made from petroleum through a series of refining steps that remove impurities, separate the desired carbon chain length and then reshape the chains into a branched form. The result is a clear, lightweight liquid that feels silky on the skin and has almost no scent.
The cosmetic industry began using this ingredient in the 1970s when formulators needed a safe, odor-free solvent that would not feel greasy. Because its molecules are larger and more branched than older solvents, C10-13 Isoalkane evaporates more slowly and leaves a smooth finish.
You will most often see it in makeup removers, cleansing oils, long-wear foundations, sunscreens, deodorant sprays, hair styling products, creamy eyeshadows and some anti-aging lotions where it helps dissolve other ingredients and improve spreadability.
C10-13 Isoalkane’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin and hair products C10-13 Isoalkane serves one main purpose.
Solvent: It dissolves oils, pigments and active ingredients so they mix evenly and stay stable. This makes formulas feel lighter, helps them glide on without tugging and prevents separation in the bottle or jar.
Who Can Use C10-13 Isoalkane
This ingredient is considered friendly for almost every skin type, including oily, combination, normal and dry skin because it is lightweight and non-occlusive. Sensitive skin generally tolerates it as well since it has no fragrance or reactive functional groups, though anyone with a known sensitivity to mineral oils should take note.
C10-13 Isoalkane is derived from petroleum, which is a mineral source, not an animal one. That means formulas using it are suitable for vegans and vegetarians provided the rest of the ingredient list is also free of animal-derived components.
No data point to problems for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when C10-13 Isoalkane is applied to the skin, but this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should review all personal care products with a qualified healthcare professional before use to stay on the safe side.
The ingredient does not cause photosensitivity and will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also odorless so it is unlikely to trigger fragrance-related headaches.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical C10-13 Isoalkane vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects that are possible yet uncommon when the ingredient is used properly in a finished cosmetic product.
- Mild skin irritation – redness, itching or a stinging sensation can occur in individuals who are sensitive to petroleum-derived solvents
- Contact dermatitis – rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis have been reported, usually in people with existing sensitivities to related hydrocarbons
- Eye irritation – if a product containing the ingredient accidentally gets into the eyes it can cause temporary watering or burning until rinsed out
- Respiratory discomfort – inhaling large amounts of aerosolized product that contains C10-13 Isoalkane may cause coughing or throat irritation
If any discomfort or adverse effect develops stop use immediately and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
C10-13 Isoalkane molecules are relatively large and structurally branched, which limits their ability to lodge in pores and feed acne-causing bacteria. Most in-vitro and consumer tests show little to no pore clogging, so formulators generally treat it as non-comedogenic. The rating is kept at 1 rather than 0 because individual skin responses can differ, especially in very oily climates or when the ingredient is combined with heavier waxes.
Overall it is considered suitable for skin that is prone to breakouts, though exceptionally sensitive or acneic users may still prefer to monitor how their skin reacts.
If a formula containing C10-13 Isoalkane also includes highly occlusive butters, heavy silicones or waxes the overall product could become more pore clogging even if this solvent alone is not.
Summary
C10-13 Isoalkane is mainly a solvent in cosmetics. Its branched hydrocarbon structure lets it dissolve pigments, sunscreens and oils then spread them thinly across skin or hair without leaving grease. This improves texture, boosts product stability and helps actives stay evenly dispersed.
While not a headline ingredient like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, it sees steady use in long-wear foundations, cleansing oils, spray deodorants and certain hair stylers because it delivers a light feel and reliable performance.
Current safety data show very low irritation, no photosensitivity and minimal comedogenicity, so most people can use it without issue. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so doing a small patch test with any new product is the safest approach.